NationStates Jolt Archive

(OOC: Hey everyone, this here is my intro RP. I have some experience in RPing but I would like to improve, so constructive criticism wanted. This is modern tech)


IC:

The Imperial Audience Chamber of the Allied States of Xia Kenji Zan was enormous, easily the biggest room in the Palace, itself the biggest building in the country. Currently Court was being held and not even the throng of thousands of courtiers could fill the massive room. In the center was a raised platform, with a red velvet throne and a golden screen stood behind the throne while two pillars (which were not attached to anything) stood in front. Sitting on this red velvet throne was a ten year old boy wearing a huge golden robe with red dragons on it. This boy was Joshua Xitl, and he was Emperor of all Xia Kenji Zan. His father, the Jian Emperor, had passed away 5 years past, leaving his small son to rule. The boy’s mother, Empress-Regent Kim Dragonirl ruled in his stead.

The Empress-Regent rolled her eyes as the ambassador from the German member state of Robach went on and on in his report on the current status of the economy. ‘Do these dunder-heads not realize they are giving these reports to a ten year old boy!’ she thought while looking at her son, who had fallen asleep. The Empress-Regent exhaled softly and then raised a hand. All talking ceased, until the boy turned eighteen Empress-Regent Kim’s words was Joshua Emperor’s words. “Thank you very much Ambassador Robach” she said softly, but with a hint of hardness “You may leave the Hall” she flicked her red and gold dragon robe to let him know they were done talking then called “The next supplicant to Joshua Emperor may step forward” while gently shaking her son awake.

The next supplicant was the ambassador from the Turkish member state of Bagha. Unlike the German the Turkish ambassador was quick and to the point in his speech, and before leaving gave Joshua a little toy spinning top. The Empress-Regent smiled appreciably and snapped her robes again to let the man know his time was over “The next supplicant to Joshua Emperor may step forward” she called again

Joshua sat up at the sight of the next supplicant and cried “Uncle Yang! Uncle Yang!” Yang Han was the ambassador of the Chinese member state of Yue-Sui, and a favorite of Joshua Emperor, thus why he called him Uncle. The Empress-Regent did not regard Yang Han so highly, indeed she thought a slimy snake and wished to have him killed, but that would displease her Imperial son. “Hail the Emperor of our united realm!” yelled Yang Han approaching the throne “May his reign last forever” he stopped, bowed, and pulled a mechanical toy out of his robe, which Joshua grasped with great joy as his mother handed it to him. “Why do you supplicate Joshua Emperor?” asked the Empress-Regent “I wish to simply laud the great decision of his mother, to open our fair allied realms to the world” replied Yang, a smile plastered on his face. The Empress-Regent was not fooled by Yang; he wanted something, sure enough…. “I ask that our great Emperor allow me to handle foreign affairs, for my tricky little mind can be put to great use in international politics”. The Empress-Regent was silent then spoke “No” then she flicked her robe. But the young Emperor had other ideas “No! Mama let him have the position”. Yang grinned in victory and bowed to Joshua Emperor “Thank you my liege, great blessings will follow you because of your decision, you will see”. The young Emperor smiled and flicked his robes. The Empress-Regent kept a stone face but inside she was angry ‘Blast that stinking Yang! Curse him and his family for all time! I must free my son from his influence...’


OFFICAL MESSAGE FROM THE IMPERIAL FORGIEN AFFAIRS CORPS


Greetings,

In the name of his most glorious imperial highness, the Xin Ping Emperor, I say hello and bid you come to my nation: Xia Kenji Zan. The Empire has a long and distinguished history, for my nation is an alliance of three kingdoms under a common Emperor. I, Yang Han, have been appointed by his most glorious imperial majesty, the Xin Ping Emperor, to initiate relations with the outside world.

To make sure nothing goes wrong, his most glorious imperial majesty, the Xin Ping Emperor, has ordered a copy of Imperial Court Protocol to put below. Hold to its precepts well, it could mean the difference between going home with a head or not!


Imperial Court Protocol

Any formal guests or supplicants enter through the main door, unarmed and searched beforehand by the Imperial Dragon Guard. This person enters with their head down low and their backs bowed. They do not look directly at the Emperor, but would merely go to the designated place along the main walkway as designated by the Empress-Regent. (The closer you get to go to the Emperor, the higher your standing is.) You would then bow low, and chant the perfunctionary salutation (Hail his most glorious Imperial Majesty or Hail the Emperor of our united realm) and stay down until the Emperor or Empress -Regent gives permission for to rise. But, you can not stand straight, but be still in a slightly bowed position, but you can raise your head slightly to look the Emperor at the eye.

If at any time the supplicant or the Emperor wants pass things on to each other to peruse (Gifts, maps, documents, etc.), it is done by passing it through two or three attendants and the Empress-Regent. Furthermore, the supplicants must address the Emperor by the title "Choice of Heaven and the People", or their reign name, or just Emperor. Note that addressing the Emperor by his personal name can and is a justifiable cause for execution.

When the audience has been concluded, the supplicant may only leave with the permission of the Emperor or the Empress Regent, shown by the flicking of sleeves. To leave on your own accord can mean death. When exiting, the supplicant must exit the same way he/she entered- always facing the Throne, and with a bowed back. To show your back to the Emperor is also another justifiable excuse for death.

OOC: BumPitY

Is this future tech or mod tech?)

(OOC: Modern Tech)

The Delegate from Cheznik knew he had an important mission, and with the relatively new nation he was from, could mean getting closer to a major nation. He was an important man right now, one of the most important in Cheznik. And he was aon a plane to Xia Kenji Zan.

His task was to gain support from Xia Kenji Zan, and its emperor, the ten year old Joshua Xitl. What the Cheznik Diplomatic Corps never grasped was why power was given to such a small child, but as long as their nation was run smoothly, all was good.

Upon arriving in-nation, the first thing the Delegate did was get on his cell-phone for instructions. He had not been briefed, and had as much clue of what was going on as the noodle vendor in the airport. What he did know, however, was the strict "Imperial Court Protocol", which must be obeyed at all times. This made him nervous, and as he waited for his briefing to come through, he read them over once more.

(OOC: I suppose I'm to give the briefing? If not I will delete this post)


On the other end of the line was a ring then a female voice:

"Ah Ambassador Cheznik correct?... I am your aide for the duration of your stay here, Wang Mei. The Imperial Court will convene in two hours, after Joshua Emperor gets up from his nap. The Foriegn Minister wishes to meet with you in person to discuss the upcoming events, then the Empress-Regent will meet with you so you'll know where to stand during court. A limo is on its to convey you to the Palace, Ambassador Cheznik, good day" she hangs up.

OOC: BumPitY

OOC: BuMpItY BlOopPiTy

Time to go. When the limo had turned up, he felt special but over-important at the same time. Such an honor, being driven to the royal palace! And to be given a personal aide was the icing on the cake. All he had on him was his Attache case, and his Russian style trench coat, which he threw on the back seat.

As he approached the palace grounds, his mouth gaped, his eyes registering what he saw out the darkened window. There was some distance from the entrance of the grounds to the palace, for security reasons probably, but the building was still huge and magestic. It did nothing but fill him with awe, and make him even more nervous than before. The spectacle of such a building was immense, and to step inside it would be fascinating, but would fill you with dread at the same time. And to think, such a building belonged to a ten year old.

As the limo pulled up to the main gate he noticed it looked fairly busy and the guards were armed, members of the Imperial Dragon Guard, most probably. He was let straight in, probably testamount to his visit. He had his ID in hand, which stated "Merk Filin, Delegate of Cheznik". The vehicle stopped somewhere in the compound, and he opened the door, before organising himself on the pavement.

"Welcome! Welcome! Ambassador!" said a portly and regal looking Chinese man that looked like a favorite uncle apporoaching the Cheznik man. "I am Yang Han, Foreign Minister of Xia Kenji Zan. Come with me" Yang lead the ambassador into the Palace, through the massive Golden Halls and into his confrence room, which was richly furnished with velvet.

"I have wanted to meet with you Ambassador to tell you to not trust the Empress-Regent. She is a snake, caring only for her own gain at the expense of Joshua Emperor" Yang took a deep breath. "I also wish to tell you when Court is convened in two hours, be prepared for a long visit. Imperial Court ritual takes time to get going. Do not fall asleep" Yang patted the man on the back.

"The Empress-Regent is just down the hall to the left"

‘So this woman, Flavius, is the real source of power in the Xia Kenji Zan government? This Empress-Regent Kim Dragonirl?’ Claudius Maius asked while pointing to the photograph of a sever looking person in his official dossier, with only the slightest hint of boredom in his voice. Claudius was a man who looked the perfect politician, sure of himself and brimming with self-confidence.

‘Yes Senator, that is right. Although I must hasten to add that it is the child, umm,’ Flavius Vitellius glanced quickly at his notes, ‘Joshua Xitl who is the nominal Head of State of this nation.’ Flavius, who had been ordered to accompany his fellow Senator to Xia Kenji Zan was a much more grim individual, calculating and shrewed. The two were unlikely friends, though friendship ultimately meant little in the often brutal world of Praetoria Novusian politics.

‘How curious,’ Flavius noted in an offhand way, leafing through the detailed dossier describing the mission that had been appointed to him by the Senate. Any formal guests or supplicants enter through the main door, unarmed and searched beforehand by the Imperial Dragon Guard.

‘You are aware that you are to be unarmed while escorting me to the Palace?’ Flavius asked the Praetorian, taking a sip of his black coffee.

‘Yes Senator, all of my men are fully briefed as to the details of our assignment,’ Praetorian Tribune Decimus Septimus replied stiffly, fidgeting as he adjusted his ceremonial sword, his immaculate and highly decorated uniform contrasting with the formal atire of the Senators and their adjutants.

‘Claudius…’ the Senator began.

‘Yes, yes, very well then Flavius, I suppose we should get started then.’ Claudius scanned the unusually large hotel room, quite luxurious even by the standards that he was accustomed to, ‘Praetorian, contact the Foreign Ministry and inform them that I am ready to see this child,’ he ordered the Praetorian guardsman at the door, who promptly acknowledged the order and quickly left the room.

Decimus bristled at the presumptuous of the Senator, daring to order his men around, but before he could protest he was interrupted.

‘The Senate has voted that we are to establish diplomatic relations with this nation. At present, we have no embassy here and, as I understand it, this is the first visit that one of our delegates has had to this region in…’ Claudius checked his notes, ‘hmm, this seems the first official visit that any member of our government has ever had to this nation.’

‘Indeed, though one wonders why the Senate appointed two Quaestors for the role of greeting a foreign Head of State and not a Consul or even a Censor?’ Flavius asked absentmindedly, lost in thought.

Claudius, however replied, ‘Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We are only here to greet a child, a purely ceremonial task, if anything I think it is beneath a Senator to have to engage in such a task, like some common message-bearer…’

‘True, but obviously the rest of the Senate do not share your view Claudius, they made very clear that we were to “treat this assignment with the respect it deserves”. Clearly, good relations with this nation is something that the Senate desires,’ Flavius countered.

‘So, you are aware then that the Senate has expressly instructed that only I am to greet the boy?’ Claudius asked.

‘Hmmpf, well obviously I have done something to incur the displeasure of my fellow colleagues, being sent on this worthless assignment to this barbarian backwater and not even having the chance to meet with a ten year old child myself,’ Flavius answered bitterly, betraying his true feelings for the assignment, as he rose from his seat and moved to the nearby window.

Claudius, too had risen from his armchair, his voice rising as he became annoyed, ‘You know damned well, Flavius, that the reason the Senate gave the assignment to me and not to you was because of your actions regarding…’

‘Senator?’ The guardsman interrupted.

‘Yes, what is it?’ Claudius asked, turning to the Praetorian.

‘The foreign ministry is on the line.’

The delegate sat and did nothing but nod, feeling fairly chuffed after being named the ambassador. Perhaps he would be, some day.

When he rose, he bowed, said "Thankyou Minister", and left the room. Following his instructions he turned left, and walked towards the hall. He was feeling greatly nervous. He may as well find a seat and wait for the convening, he decided.

As he walked in, his mouth gaped at what he saw before him. The style, the sheer glory of it all, was breathtaking, and he had never seen anything like it. It was nothing like the great meeting halls in Cheznik. He found his feet again and grabbed a seat, and waited for the court to begin.

The Foreign Ministry man spoke smoothly "Greetings Ambassador Praetoria Novus. I am your personal aide for the duration of your stay here, Guan Sun. A limo is on the way to bring to the Imperial Palace, where the Foriegn Minister and Empress-Regent will meet with you"

AT THE PALACE

A laugh came from behind the Cheznik ambassador. "You only to sit where I tell you" turning around the man would have seen a beautiful woman of 28 walking up behind him. "I am Empress-Regent Kim Dragonirl, mother of Joshua Emperor. You are sitting in the seat of the Turkish ambassador, that would displease him greatly" the Empress-Regent walked forward ten chairs "This is your seat Ambassador Cheznik, please be seated and wait patiently for the start of Court"

OOC: Bumpis

"Oh, sorry Mis....Empress." replied the Delegate, rising to his new seat, rather embarassed.

In shame he made away as quickly as possible, and tried to look inconspicuos in his own seat.

Prince Beldin ambasidor for The State of Zunderland walked in...

"My lord i am here to represent our fine country to you" the prince in all his glamourous armour bowed, ask of me what what you will and may our countries have many years of fine trade and aliance.

One thing was certain, thought Senator Claudius as he gazed out of the tinted windows of the limousine that was brining him gradually closer to the Imperial Palace, this assignment was important. As the vehicle passed the wide boulevards and huge buildings that comprised the CBD of the capital Xia Kenji Zan he could see that quite clearly now.

The Senate was right, establishing relations with this nation could vastly benefit Praetoria Novus in the long run, and furthermore this task would be beneficial to himself. It had certainly not escaped Claudius that elections would be occurring next month, and this meeting with such powerful figures would serve to guarantee that he was re-elected to the Senate. And, of course, it was undeniable that having foreign links with powerful people would make Claudius far more influential at home.

The Palace was grand, towering over the rest of the skyline even from this distance. It vastly dwarfed even the mighty Senate of Praetoria Novus in size and easily rivaled it in its splendor.

‘Ok, let’s get ready now.’ Senator Claudius’ cortège was small, in accordance with the directives of the Senate that this first diplomatic meeting be low-key. The rest of the Senator’s retinue remained at the hotel, to be called upon as and when they were needed. The Senator surveyed his group. Seated opposite him in the luxurious limousine was his senior adjutant, Tiberius Julius. To his left was the commander of the group of three paramilitary guardsmen directed by the Senate to guard him during this phase of the mission (now disarmed of course, but still impressive in their ceremonial uniforms), Lieutenant-Colonel Decimus Septimus. ‘Senator, we are approaching the Palace’ the driver informed him.

The car slid to a halt near one of the military checkpoints around the palace. Heavily armed yet ceremonial guardsmen inspected the papers of the driver, muttering together as they eyed the “Praetorian” paramilitary units with suspicion. Eventually, the troop commander nodded, satisfied that all was in order, and the limousine proceeded up one of the winding driveway of the Palace.

The car stopped once more, still some way from the palace. ‘We are here, Senator’ declared the driver. The Senator and his retinue exited the vehicle, Claudius checking to make sure that he had both the high confidential papers given to him by the Senate (about which he had not talked with Flavius) and his V.I.P. badge. His adjutant likewise pulled out his documents (which were considerably greater, but of less sensitive information) and his own identification badge. Many other foreign dignitaries appeared to be present, as well is what appeared to be members of the Royal Court. One could tell the difference by the much less extravagant appearance of the delegates. The vast throng of were all chatting amongst themselves.

An official-looking man approached, checking their papers and then explaining that they were to follow him. After a short walk, they had reached the massive and intricately adorned doors which marked the entrance to the Palace.

‘Very well, here we are then.’ Claudius began, having assembled his group. He surged with excitment at of the task. ‘Decimus, you and your men are to remain outside and wait for us, we have not organised for you to be present and, in any case, you won’t be needed.’

‘Senator I do protest. This is highly irregular, Senate conventions dictate that guards are to accompany delegates visiting foreign nations up to..’

But the Senator would have none of it, ‘Lieutenant-Colonel, this is not a discussion. It is an order. You are to remain here. That is all.'

With finality he turned to his adjutant, grinned at the prospect of forging some new and powerful contacts.

The Lieutenant-Colonel frowned, but saluted and ordered his men to remain. He was after all a Senator...

‘Well let’s proceed then, shall we?’ suggested Claudius briskly to his Chief Adjutant. The two entered the Palace.